aloha, i've read the various delam threads and i'm very concerned about structural integrity and when has the delam gone to far?i have a soft spot approx. @ 18in. by 6 in. on the fore side of tramp pylon and a little softness on the side.i have kids and this is supposed to be a fun time not to get stranded with a broken pontoon. thanks for any input!!!

Install Hatch Cover Kits. The kits come with everything, including clear silicon to do the job. All you need is a drill and a saber saw with a fine (like a metal cutting) blade. Oh yeah a dust mask. Heck, if I can do it, anybody can do it.

I recommend four total hatches. One pair ahead of the front crossbar, usually in the spot that delaminates up there (killing two birds with one stone- new hatch, no soft spot- or a repair you can approach from the inside out). The second pair of course behind the rear crossbar.

There are a couple added benefits of putting ports fore and aft in each hull.
1) You can now inspect the hulls from the inside out. This is the only way to truly tell how thin your keels are getting by how much light is coming through 2) You can access and inspect the stanchions and repair little stress cracks that may develop.
3) Dry Hulls!! With the hatch covers removed fore and aft, air can flow and dry the hulls. If you are towing the boat on a dry day, this works really well. Remember- a dry boat is a fast boat. A dry boat is also less likely to delaminate.

Without question, one of the best sources to learn hull repair is West Marine. Their two-part epoxy repairs are efficient, permanent and, oh yeah Expensive But, speaking from experience, they do work. The West Marine Advisor will even give you help on the phone if needed.

OK, enough chatter, let's sail!!

_________________The fact that this windy world is largely covered in water obviously means that man was meant to sail.